In a move that might have seem shocking to some, but a long time coming to others, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), making each state in the US have jurisdiction as to whether they will allow sports betting. What this has done is made it so that online casino operators are able to provide services in many states in the US, not just in Nevada as it was previously.
This ruling has not been without its detractors, of course, but many states have taken advantage of their new found freedom to create a new income stream through taxation – and in the most part, this can only benefit the players.
Of course, the initial ruling related to sports betting – where previously you could only partake at the track or stadium in some cases, and only in Nevada in others – but that has grown to allow US players in many states the ability to play their favourite casino games at home rather than in a physical casino. If you want to join them in the online casino world, then you should probably check out BonusFinder for the best places to play.
The below list of most popular online casino games will probably not shock you – they tend to be the same the world over, and there aren’t many options in the first place – but it is worth checking out where your fellow Americans are preferring to play.
The Top 3 Online Casino Games
1. Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most recognisable games at the casino and is one of the easiest to learn – so it is the perfect starting place for many.
The rules are simple – make as close to 21 with the total value of the cards in your hand, beat the dealer, and don’t go bust. You aren’t playing against the other people sitting on your table; you are up against the dealer.
You start with two cards, delivered to you face down. The value of each card is broadly like other games – the numbers are as they are (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). Kings, Queens, and Jacks are worth 10. The Ace is worth either 1 or 11 – you can pretty much decide based on the other cards you are holding.
For example, if you were dealt a King and an Ace, you would make 21 (10+11) and be in a very strong position to beat the dealer. However, if you were dealt a 10 and a King, then asked for another card and it was an Ace, you would value it at 1 to make 21.
What makes blackjack continuously popular and not just with new players is that it is a game that can take time to master – and it is one that lends itself brilliantly to mathematical strategies. Blackjack is the game that attracts people who think they can count cards; but it does offer some interesting probability-based odds that are a draw for those who play with logic rather than ‘gut feeling.’
2. Poker
You can’t think of a casino, or any form of gambling, without considering poker. Texas Hold’Em is the most popular version of the game, where players bet against each other to prove they have the best hand. You choose the best hand out of what you hold and what is in the community pot, looking for that elusive Royal Flush or just winning with a pair of Aces.
Another game that is relatively easy to learn – once you know the most valuable hands, at least – but one that entrances the more experienced players because there are so many nuances to the game. From establishing a good poker face (and learning to read the tells of other people) to playing the hand that you are dealt, it is no surprise that poker is such a popular game.
Online poker has a similar draw, and even a number of big money tournaments that play exclusively over the internet, which means you can take part in games that could be worth millions of dollars from the comfort of your own home.
3. Slots
Slot machines are the bright, shiny, and noisy parts of the physical casinos – they are the banks of computerised systems that carry all the best animations and exciting games.
Slots have a long history, especially in America, and statistics show that up to 70% of a casino’s revenue comes from slots – so it is no surprise that this has translated into online casinos too. You don’t need to understand complicated rules or even really know what the symbols mean when you play slots online – just choose your stake and press play, and the wins will happen (or they won’t). With themed games available, covering everything from your favourite hobbies like fishing right through to movie and video game franchises, there is an online slot game for you.